Well, I like the original picture a little more because you look impish, about to spring something. The other is more formal, scholarly, well, that would fit, wouldn't it? It is a beautiful picture, taken with the new Nikon?

The new picture was taken by Nina on the same Sony that I use when I'm not using my Nikon. It looks formal because I deliberately froze in position while she got ready to take it. Also, it was quite dark, so a ton of computer manipulation was needed to get it to this point.

Very nice photo though my first reaction was, "Oh my goodness, she has soy sauce on her rice!", which would be considered very poor manners in Japan. Luckily, you are in Wisconsin where it matters not at all. Still enjoying your blog as often as I can get by.

You've done an excellent job then, usually I blow out some detail like the chopsticks to get there.I really like that glancing up with the eyes picture, but time marches on. Perhaps this one better suits a multi-media persona.